Obtain books from the library or bookstore, etc. that are within your child’s target reading level. If you don’t know your child’s reading level, schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. She/he will have standardized test results identifying your child’s reading range.
Obtain books one reading level above your child’s reading level. For example, if your child reads on a second grade level, acquire books on a third grade level. Leveled chapter books are excellent sources. These books come with the reading level rated on the back of the book and many supply a vocabulary list on the last page.
Read aloud with your child for at least 30 minutes every day. Have the child read to you from the easy book and then from the harder book. Or alternate the book on the child’s reading level one day and the harder book the next. If the child is bored with the easier book or frustrated with the harder book, concentrate on the book that is engaging the child the most.
Write the words your child doesn’t know on index cards, one word to a card, as you read. These are vocabulary flashcards. Let the child write the word. By spelling, pronouncing and writing the word, the child uses different learning styles to learn the word. Define the word for your child while he writes. Give the child other example sentences using the word to reinforce the word’s meaning.
Use the flashcards every day to reinforce the new vocabulary words. Let the child sound the word out from the card. You can make a game of it by keeping score all week and trying to beat the number of words the child successfully reads every day and trying to beat that number the next week. Reward your child at the end of the week for a job well done.
Continue reading every day, consulting with your child’s teacher for appropriate books to add to your reading routine and for updates on your child’s reading level as new standardized tests are taken throughout the school year.